New lieutenant governor. Former Republican state senator from northwest Houston. Conservative radio talk-show host. Ran as “only true conservative” and defeated the incumbent David Dewhurst. Strong principle-based decision style. Wants fast action to keep campaign promises to conservative voters, leading large group of conservative new GOP senators. Had conflicts with House leadership in past.

House speaker since 2009. Served in House since 2005. reelection expected despite challenge from tea-party conservative activists who see him as too moderate. Reasoned decision-making style. Shares top priorities as Abbott and Patrick, but has more Democrats in House who likely will see issues differently.

Senator since 1991. Previously served in the House. Democrat from Brownsville. Voted with Republicans on abortion restrictions, and may be in line for a chairmanship in a chamber that will probably have few Democrats in leadership posts.

State representative running against Straus for speaker with backing from conservative activists. Republican from Rockwall, near Dallas. Former pro football defensive back. Served in House for past two years.

State representative since 2005. Current vice chair of budget-writing House Appropriations Committee. Reported in line to be chairman. Republican from Dayton, northeast of Houston. Accountant. Considered a key player in Republican House leadership.

State representative since 2007. Republican from Richmond, southeast of Houston. Current chairman of House General Investigating and Ethics Committee, reported to be considered as Appropriations Committee chair. Physician.

House and Senate leaders agree that the state needs a conservative budget, spending no more than necessary. Look for GOP conservatives to push for cuts to pay for promised tax relief and beefed-up border security.

House and Senate leaders agree that the state needs a conservative budget, spending no more than necessary. Look for GOP conservatives to push for cuts to pay for promised tax relief and beefed-up border

Budget House and Senate leaders agree that the state needs a... Photo-7366708.100899 - Houston Chronicle

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Education

Better schools seem a universal goal, but how to pay for that and how much to allocate likely will trigger disagreements. Teacher and school accountability, school choice and repeal of a law allowing in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants promise to be hot-button issues. Pending court ruling on school finance expected to delay efforts to overhaul the funding system.

Enhanced funding to secure Texas’ border with Mexico is a top priority for conservatives, including a plan to keep National Guard troops there for two more years. Cost would be high. Expect push-back from various factions that rather would spend that money on schools, health care and other programs.

All-around agreement that more money is needed to relieve traffic congestion and fix deteriorating infrastructure. Plans to end about $600 million a year in diversions from gas-tax revenues to pay for those improvements could be controversial because replacement funding will have to be found, possibly at the expense of other state programs.

Big-ticket item in the state budget is expected to trigger debate over Texas’ refusal to participate in the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare, and whether the state should do more for needy Texans. Additional funding for woman’s health programs looks promising, especially with support from Patrick.

With strong support in both chambers, look for a big push to cut property and business taxes, even as the drop in oil prices could mean state revenues will be less than expected. Top officials insist they want some tax relief to pass, so it probably will. Question is how much will that be?

With strong support in both chambers, look for a big push to cut property and business taxes, even as the drop in oil prices could mean state revenues will be less than expected. Top officials insist they